Johnston talks about the disciplinary measures his organization was hit with by the WHL, as well as how the Winterhawks moved from an 11-victory season to three consecutive berths in the championship final. He also talks about Portland practices, player development and lots more. . . . That interview, which runs 18 minutes, is right here and it’s good stuff.
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Here’s a gem from the Back Fence column in the Nanaimo Daily News:
“Nanaimo's own Gene Carr made a name for himself by playing 465 games for five teams in the National Hockey League in the 1970s. Gene, whose father, Red Carr, ran a garage/gas station beside the old Civic Arena, was back in town recently, and shared some stories with friends about his time as a member of the Los Angeles Kings. One of his best friends was Glenn Frey of the legendary band, The Eagles. Frey apparently wrote the Eagles' hit New Kid In Town about Carr, a newcomer to L.A.”
Carr was a smooth-skating sniper of note with the Flin Flon Bombers (1969-71).
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In the QMJHL, the Halifax Mooseheads won their 14th straight playoff game, dropping the visiting Baie-Comeau Drakkar 4-3 last night to take a 2-0 lead in the championship final. . . . F Matthew Boudreau had a goal and two assists for the winners. . . . Games 3 and 4 are scheduled for Baie-Comeau on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.———
The WHL’s playoff situation:
CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Portland vs. Edmonton
(Series tied, 1-1)
(All times local)
Game 1: Friday — Edmonton 4 at Portland 1 (10,097)
Game 2: Saturday — Edmonton 0 at Portland 3 (10,947)
Game 3: Tuesday, May 7, at Edmonton, 7 p.m.
Game 4: Wednesday, May 8, at Edmonton, 7 p.m.
Game 5: Friday, at Portland (Rose Garden), 7 p.m.
x-Game 6: Sunday, May 12, at Edmonton, 4 p.m.
x-Game 7: Monday, May 13, at Portland (Rose Garden), 7 p.m.
x – if necessary.
All games are being televised by Shaw in Canada. They also will be televised in Portland, with Games 3, 4, 5 and 6 on Comcast SportsNet, and Game 7 on Root Sports.
Comcast and Roots will pick up the Shaw telecast that feature play-by-play man Dan Russell, along with Bill Wilms, Peter Loubardias and Andy Neal.
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SATURDAY’S GAME:
In Portland, G Mac Carruth stopped 16 shots as the Winterhawks beat the Edmonton Oil Kings, 3-0. . . . Carruth has five shutouts in these playoffs and extended his franchise with the eighth of his career. . . . Portland F Ty Rattie got the winning goal on the PP at 9:09 of the first period. It was the 46th goal of his playoff career. That’s one off the WHL career record that is held by Mark Pederson (Medicine Hat, 1983-88). . . . Rattie has a WHL-leading 16 goals this spring. . . . F Brendan Leipsic and F Oliver Bjorkstrand added goals 1:25 apart late in the second period. . . . Edmonton G Laurent Brossoit stopped 33 shots. . . . Portland had a 14-2 edge in shots in the third period. . . . The Winterhawks were 1-for-7 on the PP; the Oil Kings were 0-for-3 and now is in a 0-for-24 drought. . . . The teams are to board a charter to Edmonton this morning.———
“It was an emphatic answer to a disappointing Game 1,” writes Paul Buker of The Oregonian right here.
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Terry Jones, the Edmonton Sun’s veteran columnist, was there and his column is right here.
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CHECKING-FROM-BEHIND COUNT (21):
None
CHECKING-TO-THE-HEAD COUNT (7):
None
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From Denver Post hockey writer Adrian Dater (@adater), after watching Games 1 and 2 of the WHL final in person: “Seth Jones as No. 1 is a no-brainer. I have seen all I need to see to make that evaluation”
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From Portland Mac Carruth (@maccarruth31): “Got a nice phone call from Cam Ward congratulating me on breaking his record #classact #greatguy #greatgoalie“
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